Coffee culture in Brisbane is shifting as locals increasingly favour their neighborhood cafes over city venues. A recent analysis by terminal provider Square reveals that suburban cafes are witnessing a rise in customer loyalty, with repeat visits significantly outpacing those in the central business district (CBD).
Felicity Goodwin, a 41-year-old electronic medical records manager, exemplifies this trend. Each morning, she visits Blackbird Espresso in Camp Hill, where her skim latte is prepared in advance. “Yes, they do really good coffee… but there’s a little community there,” Goodwin remarked. As more people adapt to remote work, the social aspect of these visits has gained importance. She noted, “I’ve only spoken to one other person today, and that was my barista.”
Suburban Cafes Outperform CBD
The data from Square indicates that Brisbane’s suburban cafes enjoy a higher percentage of repeat customers, with areas like The Gap, Eagle Farm, and Virginia showing remarkable loyalty rates. In these suburbs, between 18 and 20 percent of patrons visited three or more times in the first half of 2025. This contrasts with the CBD’s repeat customer rate of 16.2 percent.
In addition to frequency, spending patterns have also shifted. The average transaction amount at cafes in Brisbane’s CBD was $10.29, while suburban venues recorded significantly higher averages, such as $15.22 in inner suburbs like New Farm and Fortitude Valley. Southern suburbs also saw notable figures, with averages of $13.64 and $12.57 reported in their respective areas.
According to Square’s research, over 1,000 Australians surveyed expressed a preference for local dining, with an average of 73 percent of their monthly budget spent at local venues. Two in five respondents reported visiting the CBD less than once a month, while almost one in five stated they avoid the city center altogether.
Community Connection Drives Customer Loyalty
The continued rise in local cafe popularity highlights a broader desire for community connection. Colin Birney, Square’s head of business development, emphasized this sentiment, stating, “People want to feel connected to their local communities, and that’s where the real opportunity lies for businesses.” He added that successful businesses will be those that foster long-term relationships within their neighborhoods.
In the first half of 2025, spending on food and beverages in the CBD increased by 34.7 percent, yet this growth was eclipsed by over 40 percent in nearly all other regions of Brisbane. The northern suburbs, in particular, experienced a remarkable surge of 53.2 percent in food and beverage spending, with establishments such as Told You So in North Lakes witnessing a significant shift in customer habits.
Anna Lumsden, owner of Told You So, reported that about 70 percent of her clientele are repeat customers, many opting to enjoy a more leisurely dining experience. “Takeaway coffees were the bread and butter of our business… but I would definitely say I’ve seen a big shift since COVID,” she noted. “People are putting more value on the dining experience.”
As cafes seek to enhance customer relations, Lumsden encourages her staff to connect with patrons on a personal level. “People value us knowing their name, knowing their coffee order, and then something else random about their life,” she said. This focus on genuine interaction contributes to the rising loyalty among customers.
Square’s findings also indicate that while CBD venues see peak traffic during weekday lunchtimes, suburban cafes thrive on weekends, particularly Saturday mornings. Goodwin’s routine encapsulates this trend; she will text Blackbird Espresso with her order in advance, ensuring her coffee is ready when she arrives.
The evolving landscape of Brisbane’s coffee culture underscores a broader shift towards localism, with customers choosing to invest in their neighborhoods. As loyalty towards local establishments grows, businesses that prioritize community connection may find themselves positioned for long-term success.
